About Us
Housed in a two story barracks built in 1941, the Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum showcases items and weapons from the Civil War to the Gulf War, as well as items that depict the history of the Pennsylvania National Guard and Fort Indiantown Gap.
A unique component of the museum lies in that a portion of the museum is set up “the way it was” in the early 1940s when the barracks were first used. Demonstrating that the Army did not provide“the comforts of home,” visitors see first hand the bare wood floors, walls and ceilings, the absence of window blinds or curtains, and that the only heat for the building was supplied by a coal furnace. Since the building lacked insulation, the frigid winter temperatures, as well as the heat of the summer, were felt by the soldiers not only outside but inside.
The plan to establish a Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum was developed by Major General Frank Smoker in 1984. Approved by former Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, Major General Richard M. Scott, the museum was dedicated on December 18, 1986, and is concerned with the preservation of the Pennsylvania National Guard's and Fort Indiantown Gap's history.
Many of the items in the museum are from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, while other items come from private donations.
Association Board of Directors
Mr. Charles B. Oellig, Museum Curator
Col. David J. Smoker (USAF, Ret.), Association President
Brig. Gen. Gerald Otterbein (USAF, Ret.), Vice-President
Lt. Col. Kimber Connelly (USAF, Ret.), Treasurer
MSG Thomas Small (USA, Ret.), Secretary
LTC Richard H. Shertzer, (USA, Ret.), Membership
Major General Walter F. Pudlowski (USA, Ret.), Budget
LTC Jonathan DeVries (USA, Ret.)
LTC David Weisnicht (USA, Ret.)
LTC David A. Sakmar (USA, Ret.)
Capt. John Williams (USAF, Ret.)
SGT Damian J. M. Smith, (USA, Ret.)
Mr. Franklin Blouch
Mr. Matt Funck
Ms. Sharon E. Flaig
Mr. Andrew Stein
Mr. Chris Hannum
Maj. Gen. James M. Skiff, (USAF, Ret.), Emeritus (non voting)
NEWSLETTER & MEDIA STAFF
Ms. Stephanie L. Olsen, Museum Director
Mr. Charles B. Oellig, Museum Curator
SGT Damian J. M. Smith (USA, Ret.), Articles/Photos
Col. David J. Smoker (USAF, Ret.), Association President
Ms. Carolyn Dymond, Webmaster
Museum Staff
Museum Curator: (Primary Contact, Donations, History Requests)
Mr. Charles B. Oellig
Phone: (717) 861-2402 During museum hours;
answering machine is available after hours.
State Email: c-coellig@pa.gov
Exhibit Manager: Vacant
State Cultural Resource Manager:
Ms. Stephanie L. Olsen
Phone: (717) 861-6793
State Email: steolsen@pa.gov
Federal Technician Museum Curator:
CPT Michael R. Sprowles, MA RPA
Phone: (717) 861-6053
State Email: c-msprowle@pa.gov
Volunteer Opportunities
The PNG Museum welcomes volunteers, as our upkeep and administration require many hands to insure continued growth and success. If you have some time and talent to contribute, in any amount, please contact us:
State Cultural Resource Manager:
Ms. Stephanie L. Olsen
Phone: (717) 861-6793
State Email: steolsen@pa.gov
Federal Technician Museum Curator:
CPT Michael R. Sprowles, MA RPA
Phone: (717) 861-6053
State Email: c-msprowle@pa.gov
It is the people who make the museum projects come alive and ensure that the story of the Pennsylvania National Guard is told.